William Petroski Des Moines Register Published 6:23 PM EDT Oct 24, 2018 A political debate over the future of Iowa's largest public employees' pension fund is intensifying, even as state administrators try to provide reassurance the program remains fiscally sound. Donna Mueller, chief executive officer of the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System, issued a statement Wednesday saying the pension system's funded ratio — which measures assets divided by liabilities — increased to 82.4 percent for the fiscal year that ended June 30. The ration had been 81.4 percent a year earlier when it had unfunded liabilities totaling $6.96 billion for all membership groups. The updated valuation was prepared by Cavanaugh Macdonald Consulting of Bellevue, Nebraska, but a full report won't be available until December. IPERS' financial health has improved, Mueller said, even after it lowered its economic assumptions last year from 7.5 percent to 7 percent for average … [Read more...] about IPERS’ fiscal health improves, but political controversy sizzles

By Eugene Robinson When the big political news of the week involves Taylor Swift and Kanye West, we're in serious trouble. I'm trying to "Shake It Off," but I can't. Eugene Robinson (PennLive file) I don't mean to sound "Heartless," but we shouldn't have to pay the slightest attention to what those pop-music megastars think about the midterm election and President Trump. We do pay attention, though. The celebrification of our politics is complete, heaven help us, and we can only hope this doesn't mark the "End Game" of American society. We have created a "Monster ," and it is devouring us. Swift, who is registered to vote in Tennessee, posted a lengthy caption on Instagram late Sunday in which she excoriated GOP Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn -- "her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me" -- and announced support for Democratic hopeful Phil Bredesen. "In the past I've been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events … [Read more...] about Taylor, Kanye and the bad blood of politics

Craig Gilbert Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Published 3:44 PM EDT Oct 3, 2018 CLINTON, Wis. — Meet Art and Barbara Bushue, a couple for our polarized times. America’s partisan divide runs not just through their marriage. It runs through their front yard. The Bushues have painted a white line on the grass outside their home in the southern Wisconsin village of Clinton, population 2,154. Art Bushue has placed Republican campaign signs on one side of the line. His wife has placed Democratic signs on the other. “She’s a ‘union thug,’ and I’m a ‘management moron,’ ” he said, joking about their conflicting world views. “It’s kind of nothing serious. We get along just fine.” ► Oct. 3: How Trump supporters and critics try to find common ground► Sept. 9: 2018 midterms: GOP sees opportunity in Minnesota Trump country► June 27: Eateries kicking out Trump supporters: Unlike race or … [Read more...] about House divided: Couple’s yard signs showcase dueling political views

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As we've previously written, we are working with Google to inform our coverage of the November election in Ohio. One part of that project is tracking the most frequently asked questions Ohioans are searching for each week. Those questions are often similar. But we are looking out for changes, including new questions or new top-searched issues, especially as the election grows nearer and voters start paying closer attention. Here are some observations on the top questions from the past week, ending Oct. 1. The midterms As a political reporter, I feel qualified to tackle the top-searched questions about the midterms. The long-reigning top question is "When are the midterm elections?" (They are on Nov. 6 in Ohio and across the country.) But the others are starting to grow more specific. They are: - "What are the midterm elections?" (They are the federal elections that occur two years after each presidential election.) - "Who is running in … [Read more...] about Here are the most frequently Googled political questions in Ohio for the past week